Planteamiento de políticas industriales con miras a mejorar aspectos de competitividad del sector confecciones de la ciudad de Bogotá, por medio de la aplicación del paradigma de simulación por dinámica de sistemas, utilizando el software Vensim y realizando la experimentación con los indicadores de cumplimiento, participación del PIB, balanza comercial, IVCR, y utilidad, para tres escenarios propuestos: proyectos de inversión, bienestar social, y mercados abiertos.

Abstract: On April 20, 2010, an explosion in the rig Deepwater Horizon performing drilling operations on the Macondo Prospect Well, in the Gulf of Mexico, led to the largest oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry. Eleven crewmembers lost their lives and around 4.9 million barrels of oil were discharged into the ocean until the continuous subsea blowout of the well was contained in September 19, 2010. Given the magnitude and the complexity of the accident, several safety analyses have been proposed by the international community at different levels of the system involved in the accident. Most of these studies use accident analysis techniques based on chain-of-event models, whose main objective is to identify root-causes. However, while this approach describes physical phenomena accurately, it does not explain the role of organizational and socio-economical factors, human decisions, or design inaccuracies in accidents in complex, adaptive, and tightly coupled systems like Macondo. In response to this need, N. Leveson developed the new accident-analysis technique Causal Analysis Based on System Theory (CAST), based on her model System-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP). In STAMP accidents are not treated as chain of failure events, but as complex processes that result from a large variety of causes including component failures and faults, system design errors, unintended and unplanned interactions among system components, human operator errors, flawed management decision-making, inadequate controls and oversight, and poor safety culture. This thesis presents management recommendations based on a CAST analysis of the Macondo Accident. The goal is to help the oil and gas offshore drilling community achieve safer operations and understand the value of systems safety in achieving organizational goals. Resumen: El 20 de abril de 2010, una explosión en la plataforma Deepwater Horizon, la cual estaba ejecutando operaciones de perforación en el pozo exploratorio Macondo, en el Golfo de Méjico, resultó en el mayor derrame de crudo de la historia de la industria petrolera. Once trabajadores perdieron su vida y cerca de 4,9 millones de barriles de crudo contaminaron el océano hasta que el escape fue contenido el 19 de septiembre de 2010. Dada la magnitud y complejidad del accidente, múltiples análisis de seguridad industrial han sido propuestos por la comunidad internacional examinando diferentes niveles del sistema organizacional involucrado en el accidente. La mayoría de estos estudios usan técnicas de análisis basadas en modelos de cadena de eventos, cuyo objetivo principal es identificar causa raíces. Sin embargo, mientras este enfoque describe procesos físicos acertadamente, no explica el papel de factores organizacionales y socio-económicos, decisiones humanas, o imprecisiones de diseño en accidentes sucedidos en sistemas organizacionales complejos, adaptativos, y estrechamente acoplados como el de Macondo. En respuesta a esta necesidad, N. Leveson desarrolló la nueva técnica de análisis de accidentes Análisis Causal Basado en la Teoría de Sistemas (CAST por sus siglas en inglés), basada en su Modelo y Proceso Teórico de Análisis de Sistemas (STAMP por sus siglas en inglés). En STAMP, los accidentes no se tratan como eventos de cadena de fallas, sino como procesos complejos que resultan de una gran variedad de causas, incluidas defectos y fallas de componentes, errores de diseño del sistema, interacciones involuntarias e inesperadas entre los componentes del sistema, errores de operadores humanos, decisiones gerenciales equivocadas, controles y supervisiones inadecuados, y deficiencias en la cultura de seguridad industrial. Esta tesis presenta recomendaciones de gestión basadas en un análisis CAST del accidente de Macondo. El objetivo es ayudar a la comunidad de perforación petrolera a lograr operaciones más seguras y comprender el valor de la seguridad industrial en el logro de objetivos organizacionale.

An accurate understanding of the environment is key for a robot in order to execute tasks safe and efficiently. In the field of perception, after the introduction of deep learning, computer vision tasks have made big leaps, surpassing even the human inference capability. As a trade-off, big amounts of annotated data were required to train such algorithms. On its own, the collection of annotated dataset is a highly time consuming activity prone to human errors, setting a limit to the maximum achievable performance. In this sense, annotations (quality) and samples (quantity) bound the optimization of perception algorithms. One extra challenge encountered when training object detectors for robotics applications is that the sensor setup can be multi-modal, and vary significantly between robots. This work explores how to generate and use synthetic RGB-D training data from a near photo-realistic game engine to train modality-specific person detectors, and perform ablation studies on a challenging, real-world dataset recorded using a reference RGB-D sensor in different intralogistics environments. A virtual RGB-D camera was implemented, leveraging the underlying deferred rendering architecture. Multiple environments were tailored, exploring various data augmentation techniques and enabling the comparison between different types of synthetic data. Detection layers of a pre-trained object detector network have been trained from scratch for the RGB and depth modality, with the latter being transformed by applying a Jet-colormap. Compared to a pre-trained network, a domain gap of 5 mPA points was still present for RGB images. Meanwhile with synthetic (15k) and real (1.5k) depth images, it was already possible to train robust human detectors. Comparing simulation features against data preparation, filtering annotations had a major impact on performance than adopting an explicit time-of-flight sensor model.

We explore how we can use synthetically generated RGB-D training data from a near photo-realistic game engine to train modality-specific person detectors. We perform ablation studies on a challenging, real-world dataset which we recorded using a Kinect v2 RGB-D sensor in multiple warehouse environments. Through extensive use of domain randomization techniques, we synthesize a realistic and highly varied training set of challenging intralogistics scenarios as observed from a mobile robot, comprising persons in confined and cluttered indoor spaces. We then train the detector layers of a YOLOv3 model from scratch on our synthetic RGB and jet-encoded depth images. While for the RGB case, we still observe a domain gap of 6 points in mAP compared to a pretrained COCO model, results indicate that by exploiting simulation, an immense manual labeling effort needed to prepare large-scale datasets such as MS COCO might be unnecessary for the depth modality. We further find that filtering of highly occluded groundtruth boundin boxes during training, as well as modeling of time-of-flight sensor noise characteristics has a positive impact on model performance. We also provide an initial set of qualitative results on our real-world dataset.

Tackling climate change effects worldwide brings the interest of many donor countries with expertise to (co)develop solutions into beneficiary countries through international cooperation. The solutions proposed can be either too solution-driven, understood as a donor country selling its knowledge / products, or on the other hand, too locally problem-driven, which is desirable in theory, but facing practical limitations such as time or scale constraints when closing to outside influences. A methodology that tries to join both (apparently opposing) sides, with their advantages and disadvantages of problem and solution driven hasn’t been explored yet.For exploring how this can be done, in this research 2 case studies are analyzed: the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 (BDP2100), a nation-wide long term holistic plan on the Bangladeshi Delta, and a group of Coastal Water Management initiatives, a set of continuous efforts to adopt livelihoods to the dynamic situation in the coastal regions of Bangladesh. These cases are analyzed through interviews and desk research to determine to what extent are they problem and solution driven compared to proposed frameworks and pointing how can they be improved. From these analyses, a combined framework is proposed where problem and solution driven approaches are joined taking the best from each perspective. The result is meant to be a first guiding tool for decision-makers in donor and beneficiary countries that face the dilemma between taking local and foreign elements for developing solutions. Resumen Hacer frente a los efectos del cambio climático en todo el mundo atrae el interés de muchos países donantes con experiencia para (co) desarrollar soluciones en los países beneficiarios, a través de la cooperación internacional. Las soluciones propuestas pueden ser demasiado orientadas a la solución, entendidas como un país donante que vende sus conocimientos / productos o, por otro lado, demasiado localmente orientadas a los problemas, lo que es deseable en teoría, pero enfrentan limitaciones prácticas como limitaciones de tiempo o escala cuando se cierran a influencias externas. Aún no se ha explorado una metodología que intente unir a ambas partes (aparentemente opuestas), con las ventajas y desventajas de soluciones basadas en desarrollo netamente de problemas y desarrollo netamente de soluciones. Para explorar cómo se puede combinar esto, en esta investigación se analizan 2 casos de estudio: el Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 (BDP2100), un plan holístico a largo plazo a nivel nacional en el delta de Bangladesh, y un grupo de iniciativas de gestión costera del agua, un conjunto de esfuerzos continuos para adoptar medios de vida a la situación dinámica en las regiones costeras de Bangladesh. Estos casos se analizan a través de entrevistas e investigaciones teóricas para determinar en qué medida están orientados a los problemas y soluciones en comparación con los marcos propuestos, y señalan cómo pueden mejorarse. A partir de estos análisis, se propone un marco combinado donde se unen los enfoques impulsados por problemas y soluciones, tomando lo mejor de cada perspectiva. El resultado pretende ser una primera herramienta de guía para los tomadores de decisiones en los países donantes y beneficiarios que enfrentan el dilema entre tomar elementos locales y extranjeros para desarrollar soluciones.

Abstract: There are too many reinforced concrete (RC) columns built before mid-1970s without sufficient transverse reinforcement. By now, we understand quite well the importance of transverse reinforcement in allowing a column to maintain its integrity under large displacement reversals in the nonlinear range of response. Poorly confined RC columns undergo a fast decay in resistance due to formation of criss-crossing inclined cracks, which can cause an abrupt failure or more gradual disintegration and trigger collapse of the structure. Those columns need to be strengthened to increase their drift capacity. Although there are several alternatives to retrofit RC columns, they often require specialized workmanship and equipment, and involved installation procedures. An easy-todesign and easyto-implement retrofit technique is examined here. It consists of external posttensioned clamps fastened around the column. Results of tests on full-scale RC columns furnished with the proposed clamps suggest the clamps can be effective in increasing column shear strength and drift capacity. Resumen: Muchas columnas de concreto reforzado construidas antes de mediados de la década de 1970 tienen insuficiente refuerzo transversal. Hace solo un par de décadas que se entendió la importancia del refuerzo transversal para permitir que una columna mantenga su integridad bajo grandes desplazamientos en el rango de respuesta no lineal. Las columnas de concreto reforzado mal confinadas sufren una rápida disminución de la resistencia debido a la formación de grietas, que pueden causar una falla abrupta o una desintegración más gradual y desencadenar el colapso de la estructura. Es necesario reforzar dichas columnas para aumentar su capacidad de deriva. Aunque existen varias alternativas para reforzar columnas de concreto reforzado, a menudo requieren mano de obra y equipo especializados, además de procedimientos de instalación complicados. Aquí se examina una técnica de reforzamiento fácil de diseñar e implementar. La técnica consta de abrazaderas presforzadas externas fijadas alrededor de la columna. Los resultados de laboratorio de las columnas de concreto reforzado a gran escala equipadas con las abrazaderas propuestas sugieren que las abrazaderas pueden ser efectivas para aumentar la resistencia al corte y la capacidad de deriva de la columna.

Abstract: The forthcoming industrial environments will require a high level of automation to be flexible. In this sense, Industry 4.0 encourages the integration of new autonomous systems digitally interconnected that can interact with humans. This thesis is developed at CIM 4.0 in the frame of the FIXIT project aiming to produce an autonomous system integrated by a UAV and a UGV. As a result, a combined system that complies with the Industry 4.0 requirements is created and mainly serves an operator by performing inspection tasks. This work is focused on redesigning the UAV airframe. Normally these structures are manufactured with some conventional techniques like molding which limits building complex structures and presents high costs in most cases. In this sense, the scope is to create a personalized structure at a lower price than the standard airframes by implementing one of the industry 4.0 pillars: additive manufacturing. The topology optimization method is integrated into the design process to create a mass-customized structure with optimum structural properties. The role of Additive manufacturing in this work is crucial to obtain an innovative, customized system with an optimum cost considering the prices on the market. The thesis is performed in different phases, starting from the definition of the UAV configuration and the propulsion system. Then a multi-material comparison and the analysis of different airframe designs are performed considering the cost and structural performance. Following this is the detailed design, in which other necessary features like the landing system, devices’ supports, and protection structures are designed. Finally, is performed the manufacturing phase in which a functional prototype is printed through FDM technology. The result is a lightweight customized airframe with good mechanical properties and optimum cost that is well integrated with the electronic components and landing system, enabling its autonomous performance characterized by repeatability and effectiveness. Esta tesis se desarrolla en el marco del proyecto FIXIT en el Centro de Manufactura Integrada (CIM) 4.0 con el objetivo de crear un sistema autónomo integrado por un Vehículo Aéreo No Tripulado (UAV) y un Vehículo Terrestre No Tripulado (UGV). Resultado: Como resultado, se crea un sistema combinado que cumple con los requisitos de la Industria 4.0 y que principalmente sirve a un operador para realizar tareas de inspección. En este sentido, el objetivo de este proyecto de tesis es crear una estructura personalizada a un precio inferior al de las estructuras estándar mediante la implementación de uno de los pilares de la Industria 4.0: la fabricación aditiva. El método de optimización de la topología se integra en el proceso de diseño para crear una estructura personalizada con propiedades estructurales óptimas. El papel de la fabricación aditiva en este trabajo es crucial para obtener un sistema innovador y personalizado con un costo óptimo, teniendo en cuenta los precios del mercado. La tesis se realiza en diferentes fases, comenzando desde la definición de la configuración del UAV y el sistema de propulsión. Luego se realiza una comparación de materiales múltiples y se analizan diferentes diseños de la estructura del UAV teniendo en cuenta el costo y el rendimiento estructural. A continuación, se lleva a cabo el diseño detallado, en el que se diseñan otras características necesarias como el sistema de aterrizaje, los soportes de dispositivos y las estructuras de protección. Finalmente, se realiza la fase de fabricación en la que se imprime un prototipo funcional mediante la tecnología de Fabricación por Deposición Fundida (FDM). El resultado es una estructura personalizada y ligera con buenas propiedades mecánicas y un costo óptimo que se integra bien con los componentes electrónicos y el sistema de aterrizaje, lo que permite su funcionamiento autónomo caracterizado por la repetibilidad y la efectividad.

Abstract: The need for measurable data from physical assets to actively feed a living Digital Twin (DT) is paramount. The requirements and needs that the gathered data should fulfill in order to be practically implemented in the stream data pipeline are heterogeneous, some of them general and other case-specific. This article summarizes a set of identified challenges and requirements for a seamless infusion of well-established Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems within DT platforms, without the objective of solve all of them. This identification is performed based on a review of traditional SHM systems with a vast array of information sources as well as on the review of techniques for the systematic digitalization of existing assets. On the other hand, ten real demo cases belonging to Ashvin, an H2020 Research and Innovation project, are providing real world testing beds for an active development of SHM infused in DT systems. Multiple information sources are studied in those sites, which also enriches with more realism, the identification of requirements and challenges presented herein. These assets provide a perspective to researchers about practical implications of these needs.

Abstract: This thesis proposes an update to the NS-047 technical standard of the aqueduct and sewerage company of Bogota for storm drain design, introducing the comprehensive and modern UPC methodology. The research addresses the limitations of the current standard, emphasizing the importance of critical parameters such as flow depth and velocities for pedestrian and vehicle safety during storms. By considering a wide range of hydrologic and hydraulic factors, the UPC method provides a realistic representation of stormwater behavior and enables better system understanding and optimization. The adoption of UPC is expected to enhance stormwater management, promoting safety and sustainability in urban flood control. The application of the UPC methodology to a real-life case study, the CASU road project in Bogotá, demonstrates its effectiveness in optimizing storm drain design. The analysis identified areas for improvement, resulting in a revised approach with strategically located storm drains that effectively controlled runoff while reducing the number of structures. This optimization not only saves costs but also minimizes risks for road users. The comparison between EAAB and UPC methodologies highlights the superiority of the UPC method in terms of its comprehensive approach, graphical outputs, and ability to incorporate multiple roadways. To further improve storm drains designs, experimentation is recommended to determine capture coefficients for different structures, especially in low points critical for drainage efficiency and flood prevention. Obtaining accurate capture coefficients through real-world experiments will enhance the overall stormwater management performance and inform design decisions. By complementing the EAAB standard with the UPC methodology and conducting experimentation for capture coefficients, this research aims to provide a clearer, practical, and more effective storm drain design approach for infrastructure projects in Bogotá and other areas in Colombia.

Abstract: Claystone degradation under the effect of freezing and thaw cycles represents a key aspect in the production of erodible material in mountain ranges. Erosion processes have numerous potential consequences such as dam filling, increment in slope instability, increase of badlands, among others. Due to the possible effects related to erosion, numerous research processes have been carried out following primarily experimental approaches based on both soil physical characteristics and mechanical properties. However, these have been based on a macroscopic scale. This document presents the development of a research process based on the implementation of numerical models aimed at representing the processes involved in freezing and thawing phenomena on porous media and their effect on potential changes in soil microfabric. A calibration and validation process of the proposed numerical models was carried out based on experimental measurements of the thermal behavior of soil samples subjected to freezing and thawing cycles. Using the numerical relationships found, a methodology for determining the soil water retention curve (SWRC) was established (as a first approximation) based on a quick and relatively simple freezing and thawing test under undrained conditions. Simultaneously, and following the main objective of the research, the microfabric state during cyclic freezing and thawing was established following the relationship between SWRC and pore size distribution (PSD), as well as the possible hysteresis between freezing and thawing processes. The significant effect of these thermodynamic processes on the state of the terrain, was identified particularly in regard to increased erodibility. One possible cause for particle detachment necessary for erosion processes to occur lies in the development of macroporosity along with the existence of gaps between pore families in the PSD. This behavior was observed through the developed numerical processes. The combined effect of freezing and thawing cycles leads to an increase in soil erodibility. Finally, though a constitutive model-based approach, the cryogenic suction paths associated with freezing and thawing processes under the modification of the soil’s microstructure were established. A final perspective to soil's mechanical degradation is presented in terms of the hydraulic work associated with the cryogenic suction paths developed within the soil mass. Both the progressive evolution of the microstructure (through PSD) and the values of hydraulic work associated with each cycle show an attenuation in the incremental change as the cycles continue. Due to the numerical nature of the approximations and the trends found, further cyclical laboratory tests should be carried out. However, these represent a novel approach to the degradation phenomenon as well as the effects associated with the soil water retention curve.